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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (June 12, 2013)
News Ross Mathews: The ‘Man Up’ Interview B orn in Mount Vernon, Wash., on Sept. 24, 1979, Ross Mathews has traveled the world and established himself as one of the most in-demand tele- vision correspondents in the pop- culture arena today. Endearing and witty, undeniably funny and one of the hardest working people in show business, Ross has won the hearts of millions of Americans since his television debut as Ross the Intern on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” He can be seen as a regular pan- elist and occasional guest host on E!’s late-night talk show “Chelsea Lately,” and is a fixture on the E! Network’s live red carpet awards show coverage. While working on a variety of projects Mathews con- tinues duties on “The Tonight Show.” C ELEBRITY I NTERVIEW by Kam Williams lege tour speaking about his expe- riences climbing the Hollywood ladder and discussing his humor- ous take on pop culture. Many of his tour dates were documented on E! News’ political series, “Pop & Politics.” Leading up to the 2012 Presi- dential Election, Ross served as the official political reporter for E! News. He covered both the Demo- KW: If you were an animal, what animal would you be? RM: I would be one of my dogs. They eat better than I eat. In 2009, he hosted and executive produced a daily web talk show for The Insider and CBS.com called “Inside Dish with Ross Mathews,” a show about covering Hollywood from the outside in. “Inside Dish” eventually became the official web show for the CBS hits “Big Brother” and “The Amazing Race.” In 2011, he began a national col- cratic and Republican National Conventions, where he inter- viewed such leading political fig- ures as First Lady Michelle Obama, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and former Republican Presidential nominee John McCain. Ross recently released his first book, “Man Up: Tales of My Self Delusional Self-Confidence.” Fea- turing an introduction written by Gwyneth Paltrow, and afterword from Chelsea Handler, the memoir takes readers inside Mathews’ per- sonal journey as a super fan, revealing the most embarrassing and hilarious moments of his small town life and big city adven- tures, and explains how he man- aged to turn an obsession with pop culture into one-on-one interac- tions with A-list celebrities. Ross lives in Los Angeles with his partner Salvador, and their two rescue dogs, Louise and Mijo. When not working, he’s is a strong supporter of the Human Rights Campaign, speaking at many of its events, and receiving its Visibility Award in 2011. Here, he talks about his career, his autobiogra- phy, and the TV talk show he’ll be hosting in the fall on E! called “Hello Ross.” Kam Williams: Hi Ross, thanks for the interview. Ross Mathews: It’s great to talk to you, Kam. KW: First, I want to let you know I was both thoroughly enter- tained by “Man Up!” and very moved by its self-empowerment theme. It’s a book I really savored and read slowly because it had substance and was thoroughly enjoyable. RM: That makes me so happy I can’t even tell you. I can’t tell you how much I like hearing that, because it was a calculated deci- sion to write the book which I took it very seriously. It wouldn’t be worth my while to just publish a Ross Mathews trashy, bitchy, red carpet celebrity tell-all. I wanted my kids to be able to read it someday, and have them go, “Hey, that was pretty cool.” KW: It was hilarious where you talked about interviewing celebri- ties on the red carpet, but it was also truly touching when you revisit the challenges you over- came in childhood and the support you received from your mother when you decided to come out. It gave me goose bumps. RM: I’m going to call my mom and tell her you said that. She’ll love it! KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: What message do you want people to take away from your new book? RM: The book is really funny, but it does have a message. I want- ed to make sure the readers did take something away from it. I define “Man Up!” as celebrating what you are. So many people waste time hating what makes them different. But if you are real- ly willing to own what makes you unique, then good things can hap- pen. That would be the message I want them to come away with. KW: Patricia also says: You have tried several different aspects of the entertainment business. Is there another you would like to try See ROSS on page 7 Information is Today’s Currency At home or on the go, rely on TheSkanner.com for expert insight and guidance on what’s important to you Page 8 The Portland Skanner June 12, 2013
